Regardless of political affiliation or ideology, there is no denying the historical significance of this day. It's a day I always thought was possible yet never believed I would see in my lifetime. A day that draws a line forever between a past where millions of children were told "you can be whatever you want" and a future when they really can be. A day when the still present divide of race is narrowed immeasurably.
I think about the consistent rallying cry of the Obama campaign: Yes We Can. Simple, powerful words.
Yes We Can...
...bring people together.
...give people hope.
...begin to heal some of the wounds of people who have been treated as "less than."
...repair our standing in the eyes of the world.
...restore belief that our government represents the richness of diversity in our country, not simply the rich.
...begin the hard work of repairing our economy for the good of all, not simply the good of Wall Street.
I'm not wholly idealistic about this. I know that millions of people do not agree with me. I know many are unhappy with the result of this election in terms of political ideology and many are even upset that a white man is not taking that oath today. Today erases neither partisanship nor racism. But for today (and probably many days to come), I will celebrate. I am proud to be a liberal. I am proud to be a Democrat. I am proud to be an American. I will rejoice at the progress our nation has made. I will feel renewed hope that we can continue along that path.
Change has truly come to America.
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